Sept 2025 itinerary advice

Question

I’m looking to fly into Detroit and have a rough plan for an itinerary for UP. Can I get thoughts on whether this is a reasonable timeline.

Day 1 31/8? MICHIGAN Detroit arrive from U.K. Motown museum

Day 2 Detroit Greenfield

Day 3 Detroit Ford museum

Day 4 Drive to Luddington (stay Luddington?) .

Day 5 sleeping dunes /traverse city /petoskey stay petoskey?

Day 6 mackinaw city

Day 7 early ferry to Mackinac island and stay the night.

Day 8 ferry back and drive to pictured rocks stay the night or carry onto greenbay/door county

Day 9 flexi day

Day 10 door county toMilwaukee stay Milwaukee

Day. 11 drive Milwaukee to Chicago

Day 12 11/9 fly from Chicago to Tampa

Answer

Your proposed September 2025 itinerary for Michigan and nearby areas is ambitious but doable, though there are a few areas where you might want to adjust timing or overnight stops to reduce fatigue and maximize sightseeing enjoyment.

Here’s a breakdown with suggestions:

Day 1 – Detroit arrival, Motown Museum: This is perfect as a light introduction after your flight from the U.K. Focus on Motown and maybe a brief walk downtown; you’ll likely be tired from travel.
Day 2 – Greenfield Village: Great choice. Allow a full day as the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village have a lot to see and can easily take 6–8 hours.
Day 3 – Ford Museum / Detroit attractions: Consider combining a few additional Detroit highlights (Detroit Institute of Arts or Belle Isle) if you’re up for it, but don’t overpack after a full Day 2.
Day 4 – Drive to Ludington: The drive is about 3–4 hours. Staying in Ludington is convenient if you want to explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes area without too much driving the next day. You could also consider staying closer to the dunes (Empire or Glen Arbor) to reduce morning travel time.
Day 5 – Sleeping Bear Dunes / Traverse City / Petoskey: This is a long day. Sleeping Bear Dunes deserves a few hours. Drive north through Traverse City to Petoskey is 2–3 hours. Consider whether you want to overnight in Traverse City or Petoskey; Traverse City might offer more dining options and a central location.
Day 6 – Mackinaw City: Driving from Petoskey to Mackinaw City is manageable (~1.5 hours). Explore the area, beaches, lighthouses, or nearby attractions.
Day 7 – Mackinac Island: Early ferry and overnight is ideal. Spending the night allows you to experience the island fully without rushing back.
Day 8 – Ferry back, drive to Pictured Rocks / Green Bay / Door County: This is a long drive from Mackinac Island (via ferry and car) to Pictured Rocks (~4–5 hours) or further to Green Bay/Door County (~6–7 hours). If you want to enjoy hiking or the lakeshore, consider staying closer to Pictured Rocks to avoid a long evening drive.
Day 9 – Flexi day: Good idea to allow recovery or additional sightseeing in Pictured Rocks, Door County, or nearby areas.
Day 10 – Door County to Milwaukee: About 3–4 hours. Plan stops along Lake Michigan or small towns along the way for lunch or scenic views.
Day 11 – Milwaukee to Chicago: About 1.5–2 hours. Easy drive for your final leg.
Day 12 – Fly Chicago to Tampa: Plenty of time for your departure.

Overall, the main points to consider:

The days involving multiple long drives (Day 5, Day 8) may feel rushed. Adjusting overnight stops closer to major attractions can reduce stress.
Sleeping Bear Dunes, Mackinac Island, and Pictured Rocks deserve adequate time for hiking or sightseeing; you may need to reduce number of stops or driving distances if you want a more relaxed pace.
Detroit days are reasonable; allow flexibility depending on energy levels after international travel.
Door County and Milwaukee segments are straightforward, but check for seasonal activities and dining options in advance.

With these adjustments, your itinerary is ambitious but feasible, giving a mix of city exploration, lakeshore beauty, and unique Michigan attractions while still keeping travel manageable.

Sept 2025 itinerary advice

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